Unit 1: Bacteria & Antibiotics

(1) Bacteria vs. viruses Bacteria are living, single-celled organisms. Viruses are non-living structures. Both can cause infection.

(2) Problems w/addie Misdiagnosed Addie with Pneumonia. Gave Addie antibiotics for a “cold” she did not have. Contracted a 2nd type of resistant bacteria from ECMO tubes.

(3) “Resistant” & “Antibiotics” Antibiotics = Medicine used to kill bacteria. Antibiotics can ONLY be used on BACTERIA. Some bacteria are “Resistant” to some antibiotics. Resistant = The Bacteria cannot be killed by the antibiotics.

(4) Types of Antibiotics: Beta-Lactam  Kill bacteria by preventing them from being able to make their cell wall, causing them to explode. Macrolides  Kill bacteria by preventing their ribosomes from producing proteins, stopping all life processes. Quinolones  Kill bacteria by breaking apart the cell’s DNA, stopping all life processes.

(5) MRSA The type of “resistant” bacterial infection Addie had was called “MRSA”. MRSA = Methicillin Resistant Bacteria Methicillin = Strong type of antibiotics Often enters through a cut/injury, and quickly shows signs of swelling, redness, flu-like symptoms and boils.

(6) Where is MRSA? Everywhere / Anywhere Originated in Hospitals, then spread to the Community More common on cloth surfaces, warm and moist areas, high-traffic surfaces and areas. Not as common on smooth and solid surfaces, cold and dry areas, areas rarely visited or used.

(7) Growing Bacteria We can grow bacteria on a gel-like substance called “Agar”. Agar contains the nutrients/food and water bacteria need to stay alive and grow. We contain the bacteria inside a “Petri Dish”.